Definition

Not forming part of a pair or not matched with another similar item.

Example

The unpaired sock was left alone in the drawer.

Conversation

I noticed one of my socks is unpaired again.

Oh no! That happens to me all the time.

Maybe we should start a lost sock club for all the unpaired ones.

That's a funny idea! We could have meetings and everything.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unpaired → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "paired" (from the Old French "paire", meaning a set of two). The word "unpaired" means not in a pair or not matched with another.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being used to describe something that is 'in a set of two' ('paired'). This helps you remember that 'unpaired' means something that is not matched or alone.

Visually Confused Words